Risk factors for habitual snoring in children aged 2--14 years

Abstract

Abstract Background: Habitual snoring (HS), a prominent symptom of sleep-disordered breathing , is important to also consider the associated, multidimensional risk factors for HS in children. Aim: To identify risk factors for HS in children. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed in Chengdu. Children aged 2–14 years from four districts were randomly chosen to participate.Questionnaires were voluntarily completed by the children’s guardians. Results: The survey included 926 boys and 622 girls, who were an average of 7.11 5.25 years old. The sample included 463 habitual snorers (30.38%), 683 occasional snorers (44.82%), and 402 non-snorers (26.38%). HS was found in 51.84% of preschool children and 26.6% of school children.Among the HS group, 31.3% had a maternal education of a college degree or higher and 86.6%had an immediate family member who snores. Breastfeeding duration among the HS group was significantly less than among the occasional snoring and non-snoring groups. History of symptoms of allergic rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, tonsillitis, and pneumonia/bronchitis in the past six months were associated with HS. Likewise, maternal smoking during pregnancy, maternal exposure to secondhand smoke during pregnancy , and child exposure to secondhand smoke were also associated with HS. Conclusion: The prevalence of HS was higher in preschool children. Having a mother with more education, a family history of snoring, a shorter period of breastfeeding, upper respiratory tract inflammation, and passive smoking are important risk factors for HS.